Parents can still take advantage of back-to-school savings as dozens of states hold tax-free weekends. Dates and tax-exempt items vary by state, according to the Federation of Tax Administrators and as reported by Axios, so it’s important to be aware and plan ahead of time before stocking up.
By Josephine Nesbit
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During tax-free weekends, sales tax is not collected on certain items, but the items are often restricted by price. Sales tax is also waived for online shopping.
According to the Tax Foundation, Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon do not have a statewide sales tax, but Alaska allows localities to charge local taxes, Axios reported.
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Here are the upcoming or ongoing tax-free days for the following states:
Connecticut
Connecticut’s tax-free holiday runs from Aug. 21 – 27. Clothing and shoes under $100 per individual item are tax exempt, according to the Connecticut State Department of Revenue Services.
Florida
Florida has a 14-day sales tax holiday that ended Aug. 7; however, diapers and baby clothes will be untaxed through June 30, 2023.
Illinois
Illinois has a 10-day sales tax holiday for back-to-school shopping, ending Aug. 14. Sales tax is not eliminated, but it is lowered from 6.25% to 1.25% on most eligible items, Axios reported.
Eligible items are under $125, including:
- ShoesShorts, pants and dressesVarious school supplies
Maryland
Maryland has its tax-free weekend from Aug. 14 – 20. According to the Comptroller of Maryland, eligible items include:
- Qualifying clothing and footwear ($100 or less)The first $40 of backpack/bookbag sales
Massachusetts
Massachusetts has a two-day sales tax holiday from Aug. 13 – 14. All items priced under $2,500 qualify, per the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.
New Jersey
New Jersey’s first school tax holiday runs from Aug. 27 through Sept. 5. According to the New Jersey Division of Taxation, eligible items include:
- Computers (under $3,000)School art suppliesSchool computer supplies (under $1,000)School instructional materialsSchool suppliesSports or recreational equipment
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West Virginia
West Virginia’s sales tax holiday ends Aug. 8 at 11:59 p.m. Here are the state’s tax-free items:
- Clothing (up to $125)School supplies ($50 or lessLaptop and tablet computers ($500 or less)Sports equipment ($150 or less)